MSU department gets new name

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University’s (MSU’s) wildlife and fisheries department is changing its name to reflect the state aquaculture industry’s importance and the university’s role in its continuing development.

During its September meeting, the College Board approved the change to the department of wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture, one of three academic units in the College of Forest Resources and its Forest and Wildlife Research Center.

Department head Bruce Leopold said, “There are more than 70,000 acres of aquaculture ponds in the state with a production value of $258 million,” The new name “more accurately reflects our depth of research, teaching and service,” all designed to assist professionals working in this field, he added.